Boosting business and the local economy has been prioritised in Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2026-2027 Budget with continued plans to breathe life back into the Bundaberg CBD.
The Safe Spaces Thriving Places initiative is set to continue with new investments maintaining Council’s positive progress in this whole-of-community initiative.
The development of a new Planning Scheme is among the highlights of a raft of activity set to boost the local economy, in addition to key advocacy priorities and the implementation of the Bundaberg Regional Economic Development Strategy.
Here’s just a few of the highlights for businesses and the economy over the next 12 months:
Reclaiming the CBD
The Bundaberg CBD is a critical economic hub to not only the Bundaberg Region but the broader Wide Bay area and Council will continue to invest in its enhancement.
Some of the activities which will support the ongoing Safe Spaces Thriving Places initiative include:
- continued upgrades to CCTV throughout the CBD in conjunction with the Safe Night Precinct.
- funding for economic revitalisation and activation opportunities in the CBD.
- investing in increased vibrancy and connection for the CBD and riverside as Council continues to work with all levels of government to enhance Quay Street. The vibrant street vision for this area will better balance vehicle and pedestrian movements and further support plans for the revitalisation of the CBD.
Planning for a bright future
The economic future of the region will be strengthened through the development of a new Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme to allow for sustainable and strategic growth.
Keeping the planning scheme current and up-to-date is critical to ensuring the Bundaberg Region remains competitive and attractive to investors while protecting its character, heritage and environment.
Strategic focus areas include:
- improving housing affordability and supply to support a growing population and attract skilled workers to the region.
- facilitating rural industries and agritourism to further strengthen and value-add to the region’s agricultural sector.
- optimising the availability and use of industrial land, promoting industrial development and diversification.
- regulating development only to the extent necessary and streamlining planning processes to deliver timely assessment outcomes.
Advocacy priorities
Council will continue to advocate for opportunities which will boost the region’s profile and contribute to economic growth with a key focus being:
- attracting additional airlines and routes to the Bundaberg Regional Airport.
- leveraging any opportunities that arise from the 2032 Olympic Games.
- hotel investment attraction.
- unlocking the potential of the Port of Bundaberg.
By proactively highlighting and championing these key issues with other levels of government and the private sector Council can seek progress on behalf of the Bundaberg Region community.
Small Business Friendly
The Bundaberg Region Economic Development Strategy 2025 – 2035 reaffirms Council’s commitment to being Small Business Friendly.
Council will continue to create a supportive environment for start-ups and small businesses through partnerships with local chambers of commerce, The Generator (a co-working space of Regional Business HQ) and delivering the annual Small Business Friendly Action Plan.
This focus strengthens the Bundaberg Region’s reputation as a business-friendly region.
Read more about the budget here.
